Hormones are chemical messengers in a dog’s body that help regulate many important functions, including growth and development, metabolism, energy use, appetite, digestion, stress response, thyroid and adrenal function, mood, behaviour and more.
Desexing changes hormonal communication within the body, which may have an impact over time, whether those changes are obvious or subtle.
While desexing can be the most practical option for many dogs and their families, it is also helpful to understand the changes that may occur and how to support your dog’s long-term wellbeing naturally.
FEMALE DOGS
In spayed female dogs, urethral closure pressure may reduce within the first year after desexing. This is considered a possible contributing factor in post-spay urinary incontinence. Bladder overactivity may also play a role, alongside hormonal changes.
Studies suggest urinary incontinence may occur in around 3% to 20% of spayed female dogs. Holistic support can include the use of herbal tinctures, homeopathic remedies and nutritional support where appropriate. Please let us know if you would like more information or guidance.
Other signs that may indicate your spayed female dog could benefit from additional support include weight gain, a slower metabolism, low energy, behaviour changes and changes in muscle tone or body shape over time.
Holistic hormone support for spayed female dogs may involve a balanced fresh food diet, maintaining a healthy body condition, regular exercise, anti-inflammatory support and adaptogenic herbs that may assist the nervous system during times of hormonal change.
MALE DOGS
In some neutered male dogs, subtle changes such as weight gain, lower energy, coat or skin changes, reduced muscle tone or behavioural shifts may suggest the body needs additional support.
From a holistic perspective, these changes may reflect hormonal shifts after neutering, which can be supported through nutrition, lifestyle and natural therapies.
Holistic support for neutered male dogs may include a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy body condition, regular exercise, adaptogenic herbs where appropriate, essential fatty acid supplementation and general vitality support to assist overall wellbeing.
Greenpet’s Perspective
Desexing plays an important role in preventing unwanted litters, which is a large part of responsible pet ownership for some people. However, early desexing may affect normal development in some dogs.
Allowing a dog to mature before desexing, often around 18 months of age depending on the breed, size and individual dog, may help support hormonal regulation during the rapid growth period.
In some breeds, desexing age may also influence certain health risks. For example, early desexing has been linked with a higher risk of intervertebral disc disease in Dachshunds, while breed-specific studies suggest desexing age may also influence orthopaedic risk in some larger breeds, including Labrador Retrievers.
For most people, desexing is more practical than leaving a dog entire. However, it is important to remember that desexing does not guarantee improvement in unwanted behaviour, and outcomes can vary between dogs.
A holistic approach recognises that good nutrition, healthy weight management, appropriate exercise, stress support and preventative care all play an important role in long-term wellbeing.
Herbs may also be used to support the body naturally. Ashwagandha and schisandra are adaptogenic herbs traditionally used to support adrenal health and the stress response. Chaste tree berry, also known as Vitex agnus-castus, is traditionally used to support the pituitary gland, often referred to as the “master gland” because of its role in regulating other endocrine glands. Raspberry leaf has traditionally been used to support the female reproductive system.
For dogs experiencing urinary incontinence after desexing, herbs such as saw palmetto and elecampane may be considered to help support bladder tone.
Are There Other Options?
Many dogs live their lives entire without issue, provided pregnancy can be carefully prevented and the dog can be responsibly managed.
Alternative options are also becoming more available. Vasectomy for male dogs allows the testes and sex hormones to remain while preventing breeding. In female dogs, ovary-sparing spays prevent pregnancy while retaining the ovaries and hormonal function.
Traditional desexing remains a valuable and practical option for many families, especially when approached with holistic consideration and supported by appropriate nutrition, lifestyle and preventative care.
Coming Soon!
We’ll also be sharing more on hormonal support after desexing for cats and horses, so keep an eye out for those upcoming blogs.
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